"Part-time Assistant Research Scholar - NYU Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy"

The Assistant Research Scholar will operate as a research assistant for the Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy (CMEP). CMEP conducts and supports foundational research on the nature and intrinsic value of nonhuman minds, including biological and digital minds (AI). Recent projects include:

• The Moral Circle, a book by Director Jeff Sebo
• A report on taking AI welfare seriously;
• A perspective on evaluating animal consciousness;
• A paper about AI safety, AI welfare, and potential tensions between them; and
• A paper about social perceptions of AI consciousness.

The Assistant Research Scholar will assist with interdisciplinary research projects by conducting background research, managing references, and supporting the development of written materials. Successful candidates will be intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and comfortable working across academic, policy, and applied research contexts.

Responsibilities

1. Contribute to background research for new project proposals
2. Maintain organized research materials, including bibliographies, notes, and versioned drafts
3. Support the preparation of research outputs, including academic papers and reports
4. Track research tasks, deadlines, and dependencies in coordination with team members
5. Find sources, add references, and verify factual claims to ensure accuracy and scholarly integrity
6. Summarize complex arguments or bodies of literature for interdisciplinary or non-specialist audiences
7. Participate in remote research meetings as needed

Position expectations

The start date is on or around April 1, 2026. This is a 3 month position with the possibility of extension. This is an onsite position. The successful candidate should anticipate regular meetings with members of the CMEP the research team. This position will serve 10-15 hours per week.

In compliance with NYC’s Pay Transparency Act, the hourly pay for this role is $30-$50 per hour, depending on experience. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the specific grant funding and the terms of the research grant when extending an offer.

Required

• Strong analytical and communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly with references and factual accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple research tasks and deadlines with minimal supervision
• Proficiency with standard research tools and workflows
• Ability to work independently and on a team
• Discretion, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical research practices

Preferred

• Prior experience as a research assistant or similar role in an academic, nonprofit, or think-tank setting
• Familiarity with one or more relevant domains (e.g., philosophy, neuroscience, public policy, or technology)
• Comfort working in interdisciplinary research environments with evolving project needs
• Commitment to producing socially impactful research

How to Apply

For consideration, applicants need to submit the following via Interfolio:

• A curriculum vitae
• A cover letter addressing the following questions:
  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • How does it fit with your academic or professional goals?
  • What is your relevant background and experience?
• (Optional) A writing sample of 5–10 pages
  • Excerpts of longer pieces or multiple shorter pieces are fine
  • You do not need to be the sole author, but please indicate your role
• Three academic or professional references

Please contact Audrey Becker (audrey.lynn.becker@nyu.edu) with questions.